A blog mostly about hockey economics. Sometimes other sports and stuff.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Victor Rask Contract Comparables

On July 12, 2016 the Carolina Hurricanes signed 23 year old RFA Victor Rask to a 6 year, $24M contract (almost identical to the deal Cody Hodgson signed in 2013). Rask is coming off a season that saw him score 21 goals and 48 PTS in 80 games. With players of that age and production since the salary cap, 33.3% got deals greater than 3 years. For many players age 23 is the first year of non-entry level contracts, and for players who produce at a similar level to Rask, 2/3 get shorter term bridge deals.

While the majority of players in this category get a bridge deal, going longer term in the $3M -$5M range on a 2nd contract can lead to some magnificent bargains in the future (see Victor Hedman, or what should have been PK Subban). If we look at the top 10 comparable contracts below, it does force the question, does Victor Rask belong in this group?